Home contents insurance claims up with daylight savings end
While many Brits will be getting an extra hour in bed next Sunday, Halifax Home Insurance has warned that burglars will be welcoming the longer nights.
The company has seen an average 8.5 per cent rise in home contents insurance claims due to the longer nights in the winter over the past few years and with clocks going back at 2:00 [02:00] BST next Sunday morning (October 25th), it is warning households to be vigilant.
These figures, combined with a British Crime Survey report which revealed that domestic burglary was up in July for the first time in six years, have prompted Halifax to offer homeowners some basic security advice.
It recommends locking all windows and doors, investing in security lights or a gravel driveway in order to make potential thieves less inconspicuous and joining a Neighbourhood Watch group.
Martyn Foulds, senior claims manager at Halifax home insurance, said: "Most burglars are looking for an easy target, and the cover of darkness makes life simpler for them.
"It is not only the financial loss that we want to protect people from, but also the distress caused by knowing a stranger invaded the home. The good news is that with a few simple and cost effective measures, homeowners can greatly reduce the risk of becoming a victim," he added.
Direct Line recently announced that new customers will be able to take advantage of discounts on the firm's home contents insurance service.
The company is offering one-third off the price of both home contents insurance and building cover when the two products are purchased together.
The deal ends on November 30th.
Written by Barbara Wintergreen
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